CDC Announces Changes To HPV Vaccine Dose Recommendation

FILE - In this Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007 file photo, Lauren Fant, left, winces as she has her third and final application of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine administered by nurse Stephanie Pearson at a doctor's office in Marietta, Ga.

John Amis / File / AP

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that nine to 14-year-olds need only two doses of the HPV vaccine, instead of the three doses that have traditionally been administered.

Studies show that two doses within that age group is just as effective as three doses in older teens and young adults.

The change may increase the number of kids who actually complete the series of shots.

In California, 48 percent of girls and 28 percent of boys receive all three doses of the vaccine.

Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases with UC Davis Health System, says the HPV vaccine should be treated the same as other vaccines.

"HPV vaccine is a life-saving vaccine and there's no reason to be reluctant to save children's lives and prevent cancers," he says.

Blumber says the HPV vaccine could save the lives of 100 girls in California every year.